In a surprising shift from his usual hardline rhetoric, former President Donald Trump announced on April 15 that his administration will offer financial stipends and plane tickets to undocumented migrants who choose to “self‑deport.” Speaking in a taped interview with Fox Noticias, Trump framed the initiative as a way to separate “rough, bad people” from those the country needs—and hinted that cooperative participants could win a streamlined path to return legally later. AP News first covered the plan, noting the departure from mass‑deportation pledges.
The idea builds on the administration’s March rollout of the CBP Home app, which already lets migrants signal their intent to depart voluntarily. According to Reuters, thousands have used it: more than 5,000 people opted to leave in the past month rather than face detention. Fox News reports that DHS data backs up those figures, crediting a flyer warning of hefty fines for anyone who stays past their final removal order.
‘IF YOU DO NOT DEPART…’: Migrants who entered illegally are being told to use the CBP One app or face permanent bans. https://t.co/exampleFoxTweet— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 16, 2025
Trump described the stipend as a modest sum—enough to cover basic expenses—and said each departing migrant would get a ticket home on a U.S.‑chartered flight. He told Fox Noticias’ Rachel Campos‑Duffy that once they’re gone, “if they’re good, we’ll work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can.” Critics point out that he left many details vague, including how long one must stay away before seeking legal return.
Business Insider broke down the proposal’s mechanics, quoting Trump on giving “some money and a plane ticket” and noting farmers’ role in vouching for workers they want rehired. Insider explains, however, that labor‑market experts warn of possible shortages if large numbers of farmhands leave; agriculture and construction industries rely heavily on immigrant labor.
Even staunch supporters expressed mixed feelings. In a post praising the effort, a state attorney general’s office tweeted that the program shows “credible threat of enforcement” can drive compliance—but urged Congress to clarify legal reentry rules. Attorney General Alan Wilson wrote on X.
Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for leading the fight to secure our borders! Illegal aliens can self‑deport the easy way—or get deported the hard way. https://twitter.com/AGAlanWilson/status/1899109722722127904— AG Alan Wilson (@AGAlanWilson) April 14, 2025
Meanwhile, advocacy groups and immigration scholars blasted the plan as coercive. Jacobin magazine’s account argued that self‑deportation “tears apart families” and likened the tactic to “economic blackmail.” They wrote, “Families face impossible choices under these draconian incentives.”
Beyond stipends and flights, Trump signaled more penalties for holdouts: Homeland Security insiders say the administration is drafting a rule imposing $998‑per‑day fines on anyone who fails to depart within 60 days of a removal order. Reuters notes those fines could be enforced through property liens or asset seizures. See the full breakdown here.
Supporters tout the potential to recoup costs by re‑selling forfeited assets, while opponents warn that aggressive enforcement will overwhelm courts and sow human suffering. The White House has yet to release an official rule, but some department officials have floated a spring rollout.
At a recent cabinet meeting, Trump hinted at a “60‑day deadline” after which voluntary departures close. A video clip of his remarks has drawn millions of views on YouTube, where he urged migrants to leave “in a nice way.” Watch the clip.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Cash and tickets: Offers a stipend plus airfare for those who leave voluntarily.
- Self‑deport app: CBP Home app logs intentions—5,000+ have used it so far.
- Fines looming: Proposed $998 daily penalties for non‑compliance.
- Labor impact: Agriculture and construction sectors fear worker shortages.
- Family concerns: Critics warn incentives could break up households.
As the debate intensifies, the success of this unprecedented “self‑deportation” gambit will hinge on legal details, implementation logistics, and the real‑world choices of those the policy targets.
